About this role
Halifax Public Libraries invites INTERNAL and EXTERNAL applications for the full-time, permanent position of Cataloguer within the Collection Management Department located at Woodlawn P ublic Library. This is a unionized position. Preference will be given to internal applicants from the NSUPE Local 14 bargaining unit. Halifax Public Libraries is an inclusive employer committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We encourage all qualified persons to apply and self-identify. We will accommodate applicants’ needs under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation, we will confidentially address your needs. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT The Collection Management department works closely with library branches and departments in order to provide relevant and timely service. We build digital and physical collections by focusing on high quality and relevant selections that reflect the interests and diversity of our community. We provide easy access to these collections to meet the needs of our community. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES As the Cataloguer at Halifax Public Libraries, you will: Cataloguing and Metadata: Catalogue both new and copy catalogue bibliographic (MARC), authority, and item records Analyse content of Library materials and assign appropriate description and subject headings Upgrade, edit, and merge bibliographic holdings and authority records in library database (Horizon) Search, evaluate, and retrieve Library of Congress and/or National Library of Canada authorities records from source databases Uphold values of intellectual freedom by ensuring material has appropriate access points that reflect the content of the material, and ensures staff and borrowers have unimpeded access to all items in the collection Maintain current knowledge of cataloguing and classification trends, including industry standards Maintain current awareness of cultural and literary trends and subsequently apply appropriate description and headings to catalogue records that reflect these Technology: Develop and maintain sufficient knowledge of the cataloguing module of the integrated library system (ILS) and other cataloguing tools to support and troubleshoot its functionality Test discoverability and accessibility of records in Horizon vs display in BiblioCommons Troubleshoot issues with the catalogue (Horizon and BiblioCommons) Customer Service: Answer questions about content, subject headings, and other descriptive information in our catalogue records, from staff and members of the public Provide guidance to staff in the use of the catalogue (Horizon and BiblioCommons), Support the promotion of the Library’s collection by creating staff lists, and by including descriptive content that make the collection searchable and findable through thematic, linkable headings Other: Support the Acquisitions & Cataloguing Assistant with added copies as needed Help with new material processing work as needed DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? Education and Experience Two-year Library & Information Technology Diploma AND one (1) year of related experience OR Grade 12 or equivalent AND three (3) years of related experience Specific Knowledge & Technical Experience: Required: Read and write English High attention to detail and accuracy Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent communication skills, both written and interpersonal Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in co-operation with other staff Intermediate computer knowledge and skills including: Functions of a web browser Microsoft office application Intermediate technology skills including: Willingness to learn and experiment with additional tools and technologies Willingness to support others in learning technical skills and concepts Intermediate cataloguing knowledge including: Ability to apply cataloguing/database standards Ability to apply classification schedules, including Library of Congress and Canadian styles Demonstrated familiarity with Dewey Decimal classification Working knowledge of existing and emerging cataloguing and classification tools/software Knowledge of RDA and MARC coding in an automated environment Demonstrated experience working with Name, Subject and Series authority control Assets : Self-motivated and work conscientiously without supervision Familiarity with MarcEdit software Fluency in a second language Physical and Sensory Demand: Sitting and operating a computer for upwards of 90% of the time Focus and attention to detail (e.g. computer use, analyzing content, reading and/or inputting data) Frequent need for reading small print Frequent moderate exertion including: standing, walking, lifting, pulling, and pushing of objects up to 35 lbs on a daily basis The ability to triage work and handle the mental pressure of dealing with backlogs during heavy order times